Terminating a Lease Early
3 Replies
Joel S.
Investor
posted over 3 years ago
Hi BP Community-
I have a rental property in Houston, Texas and I have a question about terminating a lease early in order to sell. When terminating a lease early to sell a house, is an early termination clause required in the lease agreement? What is the worst that could happen if it's not? The tenants lease is up in a few months, but I'd like to sell before that if possible. The property manager is moving, so not looking to go through that process again. I would give 30 days or whatever the requirement and probably pay him as well for the inconvenience.
In addition - I don't really want to sell to another landlord because the return most likely won't be as high.
Any advice is much appreciated!
Best,
Joel
Will Stafford
Attorney, Investor and Real Estate Agent from Houston, TX
replied over 3 years ago
New owner will have to honor the lease that's in place. Only way to do what you're asking is to get the tenant to mutually agree to terminate early. You'll likely have to pay them to do that. If they refuse, you won't be able to terminate the lease until its term is up.
Thomas S.
replied over 3 years ago
You need to study your state landlord tenant codes. Likely hood is you are tied to the lease till the end. You can beg or bribe but bottom line is that they make the decision when to leave not you.
Having a term lease places the tenant in full control of your property.
Joel S.
Investor
replied over 3 years ago
Thank you!